Role: Course Director For BA (Hons) In Architecture
Company: Univeristy Of Ulster
Track Record:
What does your job entail?
As Course Director for the BA (Hons) in Architecture at the University of Ulster, I’m responsible for the day-to-day running of the course.
I primarily teach communication skills and design process, which involves lecturing, leading seminars and one-to-one tutorials with students, where I advise and encourage them in the development of their projects.
I’m also an active researcher within the university, which can entail running projects, sourcing funding and speaking at conferences.
Our students have their own studio space where they make themselves at home, so sometimes I feel a little like a parent encouraging them “nicely” to clear up their mess!
Is it 9-5?
With emails accessible 24 hours a day, academic life — as with so many other professions — is rarely 9-5. However, as a working mum I try to keep to these hours as time with my family is very important.
There are always exceptions, such as conferences, exhibition openings, lectures and field trips which tend to occur outside office hours, but my husband and I treat these as the exception rather than the norm. We try hard to ensure stability for our two young daughters.
How did you get into this line of work?
During my final year of studying architecture at Dundee University, my thesis research on the spatial experience of children with special needs was highly commended and my dissertation received the top mark in my year.
I had found a subject in which I was incredibly interested and was encouraged, particularly by my tutor Ralph Tilston, to consider taking on a PhD.
It was a big decision to move into academia as opposed to practice, which would be the normal progression of an architecture graduate.
I can still remember the day I got an email (I was sitting in an internet cafe in Kenya at the time!) to say I had secured funding for my PhD and would be employed as a part-time tutor at Dundee, working with undergraduate students.
A completely new path had opened up for me — one I hadn’t been expecting which was a hugely exciting prospect.
Outline your career to date?
Following my undergraduate degree in architecture I worked for a year as a Part 1 architectural assistant at Hall Black Douglas Architects in Belfast. After my second degree in 2002 I was appointed a part-time design tutor in Dundee while I studied for my PhD. In 2006 I was appointed lecturer in architecture at the University of Ulster and the following year was asked to take on the role of course director for the BA (Hons) architecture programme.
Tell us about your qualifications/training.
I initially studied for a BSc at Dundee University. After a year in practice — which is expected — I stayed at Dundee and studied for a BArch (Hons).
While many graduates go into practice before sitting their final exams, I chose to pursue a PhD.
I investigated children’s experiences and perceptions of the school buildings around them and questioned if this had any effect on their spatial understanding.
What qualities are required for your job — personal and professional?
Aside from subject-related knowledge and practical skills, my job requires empathy and understanding and an ability to think on my feet.
Communication, both in explaining and listening, is vital. I use verbal and visual methods throughout the day. Sketching is at the heart of the majority of my tutorials.
What are the biggest challenges and rewards of your work?
My students will always be both the biggest challenge and the biggest reward.
For me, a good relationship with them is hugely important and I can’t help but become emotionally involved in all that I do.
It is a great reward to see a student exceed their own expectations and reach their potential.
Life isn’t easy — we have many students who are dealing with family problems, illness, issues with finance and so on. To see them overcome personal adversity and achieve their degrees is very special.
While I love the challenge and intellectual investigation that comes with my job, encouraging students will always be the most important element of my work.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
As a mum of two young girls, Lily (3) and Emma (18 months), “spare” time isn’t perhaps the most appropriate terminology – “precious” might be better!
Spending time with my husband Craig, the girls and other family members at weekends is very important.
I also love to sing. It helps me relax and I find it a real joy, whether it’s singing in my church, during choir practices and performances or just in the shower.
I’m a member of the Sing Live Northern Ireland choir and I’ve performed both with the other members and as a soloist in venues such as the Waterfront Hall and the Ulster Hall.
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.
I’ve had the opportunity to visit some really amazing places and meet some very inspiring people.
I’ve taught in the slums of Calcutta, worked in administration at a hospital in Thailand, led worship in Senegal and built houses in Kenya.
Who has inspired you most in your life?
My parents have been my greatest inspiration, although it’s only now that I really fully recognise their influence.
Both are inherently practical and fiercely independent and I can see how this has rubbed off on me.
However, the most important things they have taught me are to cherish family and to be aware that people will always be more important than things.